Featured Interview With Ruth Kyser
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a native Michigander–wife, mother, and grandmother–who writes Christian Inspirational Romance. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, I also enjoy reading almost as much as I love writing! I surprised myself, and in 2015 (in addition to writing two books of my own) I read 215 books. I am an avid reader!
Ruth’s Mission Statement: “My goal is to write stories that entertain, but more importantly, educate readers about Jesus Christ and His love for them.”
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As soon as I started reading, which was about age five, I became fascinated with books and stories. I used to pick up my older sisters’ books and try to read them. Fortunately I had a mother who encouraged reading as the older I became, the more I wanted to read a wide variety of books–including a great deal of fine literature and classics.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite author growing up was Bess Streeter Aldrich. I’m fairly certain that her book, “Song of Years”, is what led me to write the type of books I write. I enjoy reading Christian fiction — mostly romance, but sometimes I read Suspense/Mystery too. But the books have to be well-written to keep my interest. Sometimes I start a book and the plot is so thin and the characters so shallow, I can’t finish it. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen very often! We have many wonderful writers out there.
I’m inspired to write by music, nature–just about anything. Sometimes an idea will sit in my head for years before I finally decide to use it. It takes me about six months to write, re-write, edit, and polish my manuscripts before they’re ready for publication. I have times I don’t write, but I’m working on related projects during those ‘down’ times. And I’m ALWAYS writing in my head!
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My most recent book, CLARA’S HEART, is actually book 2 in a 3-book series — THE MORGAN FAMILY SAGA series. MATTIE’S HEART is book one in this Christian Historical Fiction series, followed by CLARA’S HEART, and my current writing project, LAURIE’S HEART.
MATTIE’S HEART is Book 1 in the “Morgan Family Saga” series. As a newlywed, Mattie Welch Morgan had specific ideas about what her married life would be like. None of those included going to Montana with her husband to start a cattle ranch. But after Brady Morgan decided they are going west to homestead a claim, Mattie has to change her notions about her future. Then tragedy strikes the Morgan family and Mattie is left struggling with her faith and wondering if her life is all a mistake. What will Mattie choose to do with her heart, and will she ever know peace and happiness again? “Mattie’s Heart” takes place in the years spanning 1915-1919, and shares the story of one young couple with a pioneer spirit–their trials, turmoil, and sorrows as they strive to find God’s will for their lives. Those who have read the “True Cover” series by Ruth Kyser will recognize Brady & Mattie Morgan as the great-grandparents of FBI Agent, Samuel Clemens Morgan.
CLARA’S HEART is Book 2 in “The Morgan Family Saga”.
Reece Morgan had always planned to return home and help run the family ranch after college, but after a difference of opinion with his father, he decides to accept a job in town. He’s settling in well in his new occupation as a sheriff’s deputy when the troubled granddaughter of the Bluecreek Ranch’s foreman comes to visit the ranch.
Suddenly Reece’s focus changes and his heart is drawn back to his family and the ranching business he loves. However, the young woman, Clara Callahan, makes it known from the start that she doesn’t have the same faith in a loving God that he does. Praying some time apart will dim his feelings for her, Reece once again leaves the ranch for the big city.
Will the two of them find a way to make their stormy relationship work, or will the differences between them be too large a hurdle to overcome?
“Clara’s Heart” takes place in the years 1938-1939, and continues the story of the ancestors of FBI Agent, Samuel Clemens Morgan, from the TRUE COVER SERIES by Ruth Kyser.
I actually decided to write this three books series while I was finishing up book 3 of my TRUE COVER series–SECOND CHANCES. I had created a very detailed family history for the main character of the book, Samuel Clemens Morgan, and decided I needed to tell the stories of Sam’s parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, who had started the Bluecreek Ranch.
All the books have been very well received and reviewed, and I have greatly enjoyed writing them. When I finish this series, it’s going to be difficult to leave the Morgan Family behind as I’ve been writing their stories for the last three years! The Morgan family is made up of imperfect people striving to live for God–making mistakes and suffering tragedies–but picking themselves back up and continuing on with the live God has given them. I hope all my readers find their stories inspiring and uplifting.
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Patricia Bradley says
Isn’t it wonderful to have a mother who encourages reading! Mine was that way and I started reading before I started school. Loved the interview!
Ruth Kyser says
Thank you, Patricia! I was also reading before I started school, and back then the teachers didn’t like that. But I had three older sisters who were avid readers, so it’s not surprising. I’m sure my love for words and reading came from my mother. She used to enjoy writing short stories. Thanks for stopping by, and God bless you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it!